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March 30, 2024Reflection for Easter Sunday: March 31, 2024
Acts 10:34a, 37-43: I’d recommend reading all of Acts Ch. 10. Ponder Cornelius, a Gentile centurion, who was “devout and God-fearing” and had a vision of an angel! The angel instructed Cornelius to contact Peter in order to have Peter explain God’s invitation of Salvation of the Gentiles to him and his household. Meanwhile, another Divine intervention occurs when Peter, while praying on a rooftop, has a vision, explaining to him that many foods that previously were considered “unclean” or inedible by Jews, are now allowed to be eaten and enjoyed. Peter’s new God-given insight enables him to accept and embrace God’s message of salvation to all and explain it, with enthusiasm and awe, to others. As we finish this passage, we can all celebrate that Cornelius and his whole household were then baptized!
Psalm 118: “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad!” This joyful psalm of praise and exultation over our Savior’s extravagant mercy and love is wonderfully appropriate for Easter! What immense love our God has for us! He has ransomed us from the very clutches of death! Our Lord has truly shown His power to save. Surely, we can have totally calm and serene confidence and faith in God to protect us and accompany us; as we follow Jesus, carrying our own crosses and burdens.
The “stone which the builders rejected” isn’t just a stone… but the Most Precious Jewel ever created! Our Savior faced rejection, misunderstanding and abuse. Ultimately, He Who has suffered all, has ardent compassion, understanding and mercy for all.
Colossians 3:1-4: As St. Paul concisely reflects with the metaphor of “welcoming and becoming” new leaven; we’re being reminded by his speech that the acceptance of our role as disciples comes with expectations. In order to become “a new creation in Christ,” we have to let go of sinful and self-centered “old yeast” of malice and accept into our very being the “new yeast” of sincerity, humility and truth. We gratefully accept our roles as loving servants of God’s people. When we’re converted and forgiven, nothing asked of us by God, will seem like it’s too much as we’ll be so profoundly grateful for His Sacrifice. It’s a privilege to be able to serve in His Holy Name! The “New Yeast of Hope” within us will surely “rise” into eternal gratitude; a grateful joy that will produce abundant fruits of adoration, praise, worship and service!
John 20:1-9: Today we celebrate and reflect upon Jesus’ Resurrection. One way we get to know Jesus is by observing Him in His followers. Let’s start with Mary Magdalene. Going to the Tomb before daylight took courage, but I suspect her great motivation to go there came from heartsick love and a longing to grieve and contemplate Jesus’ Passion. She simply wanted to be near where His body lay! Jesus, too had a longing to be with His/our Heavenly Father; causing Jesus to regularly withdraw to be with the Father.
Consider how Mary Magdalene responded to learning of Jesus’ Resurrection. She immediately was compelled to share the Good News and, thereafter, became known as “the Apostle to the Apostles.” She became an example of “receiving the New Yeast,” (the Gospel Message), into her very being! Let’s likewise follow!
Deacon Matt
